Alumni Reunion / en U of T Alumni Reunion to highlight Lesra Martin’s inspiring story /news/u-t-alumni-reunion-highlight-lesra-martin-s-inspiring-story <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">U of T Alumni Reunion to highlight Lesra Martin’s inspiring story</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2023-05/UTAA-AGM-Keynote.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=60xylOXb 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2023-05/UTAA-AGM-Keynote.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=fGbfVwbA 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2023-05/UTAA-AGM-Keynote.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=BAYdwuIX 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2023-05/UTAA-AGM-Keynote.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=60xylOXb" alt="Lesra Martin"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Christopher.Sorensen</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2023-05-25T11:51:35-04:00" title="Thursday, May 25, 2023 - 11:51" class="datetime">Thu, 05/25/2023 - 11:51</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item"><p><em>(photo by Matthew Sherwood)</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/advancement-staff" hreflang="en">Advancement Staff</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/alumni-reunion" hreflang="en">Alumni Reunion</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/innis-college" hreflang="en">Innis College</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-subheadline field--type-string-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Subheadline</div> <div class="field__item">Martin will be the keynote guest in a virtual event on May 31</div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif">Ƶ alumnus <b>Lesra Martin</b> has uplifted scores of people through his book <i>The Power of a Promise</i> – and through the 1999 Hollywood film <i>The Hurricane, </i>which took inspiration from Martin’s own inspiring journey as a teenager.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif">Now, Martin will be the keynote guest at U of T’s <a href="https://my.alumni.utoronto.ca/s/731/18/home.aspx?sid=731&amp;gid=1&amp;pgid=14887&amp;_gl=1*2zo25s*_gcl_au*MTMwMzAyOTc2OS4xNjgyMzQxNjYw&amp;_ga=2.99454558.1148856250.1684758692-202875502.1683229537" style="color:blue">Alumni Reunion</a> on May 31, when he’s scheduled to speak at <a href="https://alumni.utoronto.ca/u-of-t-alumni-association/agm?utm_source=DUA&amp;utm_medium=print&amp;utm_campaign=UTAA-AGM" style="color:blue">a virtual alumni event</a> that will give the audience a chance to submit questions.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif">“I believe we all have, in our DNA, a desire to be the best we can be,” Martin<strong><span style="font-weight:normal"> says</span></strong><strong>. </strong></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif">“To make a meaningful, positive impact when and where we can. Like orbs of light, set out on a mutual mission, U&nbsp;of&nbsp;T alumni are achievers, doers, believers and leaders.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif">Martin’s journey began in New York City, where he was working to help feed his family at the age of 10. He was offered a chance to go back to school in Canada when he was 15. He began learning to read for the first time, despite his fears that he couldn’t succeed academically.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif">Martin went on to attend U of T’s Innis College and earned a degree in anthropology in 1988.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif">His activism was sparked after reading <i>The Sixteenth Round</i> written by former boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter. It told the story of how Carter had been wrongfully imprisoned for murder in the 1960s.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif">Moved by Carter’s story, Martin wrote a letter of support – sparking a friendship with the former boxer. Soon, Martin was convincing his foster family to advocate on Carter’s behalf. Five years of activism later, Carter walked free.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif">Martin’s story of resilience and perseverance provided a foundation for his career as a lawyer, the making of&nbsp;</span><em><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif">The Hurricane&nbsp;</span></em><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif">film, his advocacy for literacy and an invitation to speak at the United Nations.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif">“I believe that sharing our stories can help shore each other up,” he says.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif"><span style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif">“When we share our lived experiences, we learn from one another and strengthen our resolve to forge new paths forward.”</span></span></span></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Thu, 25 May 2023 15:51:35 +0000 Christopher.Sorensen 301803 at Seven ways to celebrate U of T’s Alumni Reunion /news/seven-ways-celebrate-u-t-s-alumni-reunion <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Seven ways to celebrate U of T’s Alumni Reunion</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2023-05/Feature%20Image_1140x760.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=r4Iornuj 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2023-05/Feature%20Image_1140x760.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=hQVNe7gH 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2023-05/Feature%20Image_1140x760.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=FKfPyKO6 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2023-05/Feature%20Image_1140x760.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=r4Iornuj" alt="a mother and daughter enjoy an ice cream together in front of Simcoe Hall at U of T"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>siddiq22</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2023-05-16T12:07:50-04:00" title="Tuesday, May 16, 2023 - 12:07" class="datetime">Tue, 05/16/2023 - 12:07</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item"><p>Ƶ graduates can take part in more than 100 events across the three campuses during Alumni Reunion, which runs May 31 to June 4 (all images supplied)</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/adina-bresge-alice-lawlor" hreflang="en">Adina Bresge &amp; Alice Lawlor</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/academic-campus-events" hreflang="en">Academic + Campus Events</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/st-george-campus" hreflang="en">St. George campus</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">U of T Mississauga</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-scarborough" hreflang="en">U of T Scarborough</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>From a street festival to topical lectures and an Ontario Science Centre gathering, there are plenty of ways Ƶ graduates can reconnect with tri-campus life at&nbsp;<a href="https://my.alumni.utoronto.ca/s/731/18/home.aspx?sid=731&amp;gid=1&amp;pgid=14887&amp;utm_source=dua&amp;utm_medium=AdvancerStory&amp;utm_campaign=AR23&amp;_gl=1*f90yo3*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE2ODA3OTU2MjAuQ2owS0NRancyN21oQmhDOUFSSXNBSUZzRVRFNVpNN1VWbXA3V1hiaDJJcnRFYUFQbm9DejlhNWpJZHRBQ0VTQ2Y5eDZWSnJyWTRuaDhINGFBb1VaRUFMd193Y0I.&amp;_ga=2.232526685.35596765.1683570852-2049004069.1668451861">Alumni Reunion</a>&nbsp;this spring.</p> <p>The annual celebration, which runs from May 31 to June 4, is expected to attract thousands of alumni to catch up with old friends, make new memories and come together as a global community.</p> <p>The festival features more than 100 events across the three campuses and online, including fun activities for kids, special events organized by faculties and colleges as well as milestone celebrations for those who earned their diplomas in a year ending in 3 or 8.</p> <p>“Alumni Reunion is a wonderful opportunity to renew our bonds to the university and to one another as a community – with a wide array of planned in-person and online events,” says&nbsp;<b>Barbara Dick</b>, assistant vice-president, alumni relations.</p> <p>“We see our alumni community as ambassadors of U of T and look forward to celebrating their continued success while helping them foster connections – both old and new."</p> <p>Here’s just a small sample&nbsp;<a href="https://secureca.imodules.com/s/731/18/register21.aspx?sid=731&amp;gid=1&amp;pgid=20511&amp;cid=34036&amp;_gl=1*fu775g*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE2ODA3OTU2MjAuQ2owS0NRancyN21oQmhDOUFSSXNBSUZzRVRFNVpNN1VWbXA3V1hiaDJJcnRFYUFQbm9DejlhNWpJZHRBQ0VTQ2Y5eDZWSnJyWTRuaDhINGFBb1VaRUFMd193Y0I.&amp;_ga=2.30480637.35596765.1683570852-2049004069.1668451861">of the many events and activities on offer</a>&nbsp;in 2023:</p> <hr> <h3><a href="https://secureca.imodules.com/s/731/18/register21.aspx?sid=731&amp;gid=1&amp;pgid=20511&amp;cid=34036&amp;eventcode=R109&amp;utm_source=dua&amp;utm_medium=AdvancerStory&amp;utm_campaign=AR23&amp;_ga=2.63481455.1903893576.1684155489-329634756.1652759000"><b>Alumni Fest is back</b></a></h3> <div class="align-center"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/2023-05/Alumni%20Fest.jpg" width="1488" height="837" alt="a street performer makes soap bubbles on the street during alumni fest"> </div> </div> <p>Hit the streets for some food, music and entertainment at this family-friendly outdoor event.&nbsp;<a href="https://secureca.imodules.com/s/731/18/register21.aspx?sid=731&amp;gid=1&amp;pgid=20511&amp;cid=34036&amp;eventcode=R109&amp;utm_source=dua&amp;utm_medium=AdvancerStory&amp;utm_campaign=AR23" target="_blank">Alumni Fest</a>&nbsp;takes place in downtown Toronto along St. George Street.</p> <h3><a href="https://secureca.imodules.com/s/731/18/register21.aspx?sid=731&amp;gid=1&amp;pgid=20511&amp;cid=34036&amp;eventcode=R012&amp;utm_source=dua&amp;utm_medium=AdvancerStory&amp;utm_campaign=AR23&amp;_ga=2.103990208.1903893576.1684155489-329634756.1652759000"><b>Give the kids a passport to hands-on learning</b></a></h3> <div class="align-center"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/2023-05/Kids%20Passport.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="young children participate in a science experiment "> </div> </div> <p>Best suited to children aged four to 12, the&nbsp;<a href="https://secureca.imodules.com/s/731/18/register21.aspx?sid=731&amp;gid=1&amp;pgid=20511&amp;cid=34036&amp;eventcode=R012&amp;utm_source=dua&amp;utm_medium=AdvancerStory&amp;utm_campaign=AR23&amp;_gl=1*1tk6ti5*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE2ODA3OTU2MjAuQ2owS0NRancyN21oQmhDOUFSSXNBSUZzRVRFNVpNN1VWbXA3V1hiaDJJcnRFYUFQbm9DejlhNWpJZHRBQ0VTQ2Y5eDZWSnJyWTRuaDhINGFBb1VaRUFMd193Y0I.&amp;_ga=2.266632396.35596765.1683570852-2049004069.1668451861">Kids’ Passport</a>&nbsp;event on the St. George campus gives young explorers a chance to earn stamps for participating in hands-on activities such as a bookstore scavenger hunt, catching Pokémon and investigating a pretend crime.</p> <h3><a href="https://secureca.imodules.com/s/731/18/register21.aspx?sid=731&amp;gid=1&amp;pgid=20511&amp;cid=34036&amp;eventcode=R096.R098.R099.R100.R101.R102.R103.R104.R105&amp;utm_source=dua&amp;utm_medium=AdvancerStory&amp;utm_campaign=AR23&amp;_ga=2.103990208.1903893576.1684155489-329634756.1652759000"><b>Get back to class (without worrying about grades</b>)</a></h3> <div class="align-center"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/2023-05/Stress-Free%20Degrees.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="a female student listens to a lecture in a lecture hall"> </div> </div> <p>This year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://secureca.imodules.com/s/731/18/register21.aspx?sid=731&amp;gid=1&amp;pgid=20511&amp;cid=34036&amp;eventcode=R096.R098.R099.R100.R101.R102.R103.R104.R105&amp;utm_source=dua&amp;utm_medium=AdvancerStory&amp;utm_campaign=AR23" target="_blank">Stress-Free Degree lectures</a>&nbsp;cover a broad swath of subjects ranging from the buzzy TV show&nbsp;<i>Squid Game</i>&nbsp;to the legal side of AI. There are nine lectures on offer by experts from U of T Mississauga, U of T Scarborough, OISE, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and more, available in-person and online.</p> <h3><a href="https://secureca.imodules.com/s/731/18/register21.aspx?sid=731&amp;gid=1&amp;pgid=20511&amp;cid=34036&amp;eventcode=R054&amp;utm_source=dua&amp;utm_medium=AdvancerStory&amp;utm_campaign=AR23&amp;_ga=2.76205013.1903893576.1684155489-329634756.1652759000"><b>Learn from racial justice champion Lesra Martin</b></a></h3> <div class="align-center"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/2023-05/UTAA%20AGM%20Keynote.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Lesra Martin"> </div> </div> <p>The activist and acclaimed lawyer&nbsp;who helped secure the freedom of Rubin “The Hurricane” Carter is also a U&nbsp;of&nbsp;T alumnus from Innis College. In this online conversation,&nbsp;<b>Lesra Martin</b>&nbsp;shares his origin story, journey to U&nbsp;of&nbsp;T and the insights that shaped his successful career.&nbsp;<a href="https://secureca.imodules.com/s/731/18/register21.aspx?sid=731&amp;gid=1&amp;pgid=20511&amp;cid=34036&amp;eventcode=R054&amp;utm_source=dua&amp;utm_medium=AdvancerStory&amp;utm_campaign=AR23" target="_blank">The Ƶ Alumni Association’s Annual General Meeting</a>&nbsp;will follow the talk.</p> <h3><a href="https://secureca.imodules.com/s/731/18/register21.aspx?sid=731&amp;gid=1&amp;pgid=20511&amp;cid=34036&amp;eventcode=R010&amp;utm_source=dua&amp;utm_medium=AdvancerStory&amp;utm_campaign=AR23&amp;_ga=2.76205013.1903893576.1684155489-329634756.1652759000"><b>Party like a scientist</b></a></h3> <div class="align-center"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/2023-05/SHAKER.jpg" width="800" height="413" alt="students at a diner table chatting"> </div> </div> <p>New and new-ish grads take over the Ontario Science Centre for the biggest&nbsp;<a href="https://secureca.imodules.com/s/731/18/register21.aspx?sid=731&amp;gid=1&amp;pgid=20511&amp;cid=34036&amp;eventcode=R010&amp;utm_source=dua&amp;utm_medium=AdvancerStory&amp;utm_campaign=AR23&amp;_gl=1*oc0o8d*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE2ODA3OTU2MjAuQ2owS0NRancyN21oQmhDOUFSSXNBSUZzRVRFNVpNN1VWbXA3V1hiaDJJcnRFYUFQbm9DejlhNWpJZHRBQ0VTQ2Y5eDZWSnJyWTRuaDhINGFBb1VaRUFMd193Y0I.&amp;_ga=2.206730705.35596765.1683570852-2049004069.1668451861">SHAKER event</a>&nbsp;of the year. Admission is $20 and includes all non-alcoholic beverages, treats and one alcoholic drink ticket. Shuttle buses from the St. George campus are available.</p> <h3><a href="https://secureca.imodules.com/s/731/18/register21.aspx?sid=731&amp;gid=1&amp;pgid=20511&amp;cid=34036&amp;eventcode=R107&amp;utm_source=dua&amp;utm_medium=AdvancerStory&amp;utm_campaign=AR23&amp;_ga=2.62949999.1903893576.1684155489-329634756.1652759000"><b>Kick off Pride month with Italian eats</b></a></h3> <div class="align-center"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/2023-05/Spring%20Soiree.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="spring soiree participants cheers with rainbow coloured popsicles"> </div> </div> <p>Head to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eataly.ca/" target="_blank">Eataly Toronto</a>&nbsp;for an evening of cocktails, fine cuisine and mingling with alumni and friends at the&nbsp;<a href="https://secureca.imodules.com/s/731/18/register21.aspx?sid=731&amp;gid=1&amp;pgid=20511&amp;cid=34036&amp;eventcode=R107&amp;utm_source=dua&amp;utm_medium=AdvancerStory&amp;utm_campaign=AR23&amp;_gl=1*1pbs3gl*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE2ODA3OTU2MjAuQ2owS0NRancyN21oQmhDOUFSSXNBSUZzRVRFNVpNN1VWbXA3V1hiaDJJcnRFYUFQbm9DejlhNWpJZHRBQ0VTQ2Y5eDZWSnJyWTRuaDhINGFBb1VaRUFMd193Y0I.&amp;_ga=2.27859838.35596765.1683570852-2049004069.1668451861">2SLGBTQ+ Spring Soirée</a>.</p> <h3><a href="https://secureca.imodules.com/s/731/18/register21.aspx?sid=731&amp;gid=1&amp;pgid=20511&amp;cid=34036&amp;eventcode=R011.R108&amp;utm_source=dua&amp;utm_medium=AdvancerStory&amp;utm_campaign=AR23&amp;_ga=2.62949999.1903893576.1684155489-329634756.1652759000"><b>A big anniversary deserves a big celebration</b></a></h3> <div class="align-center"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/2023-05/Chancellor%27s%20Breakfast.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="two alumni pose for a photo during the Chancellor's breakfast"> </div> </div> <p>Take a trip down memory lane at invite-only events for alumni celebrating their 50th, 55th, 60th, 65th, 70th, 75th, and 80th anniversaries of graduation, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://secureca.imodules.com/s/731/18/register21.aspx?sid=731&amp;gid=1&amp;pgid=20511&amp;cid=34036&amp;eventcode=R011&amp;utm_source=dua&amp;utm_medium=AdvancerStory&amp;utm_campaign=AR23" target="_blank">Chancellor's Breakfast</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://secureca.imodules.com/s/731/18/register21.aspx?sid=731&amp;gid=1&amp;pgid=20511&amp;cid=34036&amp;eventcode=R108&amp;utm_source=dua&amp;utm_medium=AdvancerStory&amp;utm_campaign=AR23" target="_blank">50th Anniversary Ceremony</a>&nbsp;at Convocation Hall.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-add-new-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Add new story tags</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/alumni-relations" hreflang="en">Alumni Relations</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/alumni-reunion" hreflang="en">Alumni Reunion</a></div> </div> </div> Tue, 16 May 2023 16:07:50 +0000 siddiq22 301639 at